The Small Business Administration (SBA) will launch an 18-state road tour with the overarching goal of connecting entrepreneurs to funding sources.
Officials said they desire to pair Research and Development ideas to the largest source of early-stage funding led by the SBA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Organizers said the SBIR Road Tour plays an essential role in increasing engagement with entrepreneurial ecosystems across the country and building a greater network to support the creation of small businesses focusing on high-impact research.
SBA officials said SBIR / STTR programs provide $2.5 billion in early-stage funding to small businesses annually in a wide variety of technology areas such as unmanned systems, advanced materials, health, cybersecurity, and defense – noting the awards have helped innovators advance new technologies and have contributed to the creation of thousands of jobs.
Another key element of the endeavor, officials said, is the advancement of several goals of the SBIR / STTR programs, including outreach to increase the participation by women, individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged, as well as small-business owners who reside in underrepresented states.
SBA officials said small technology firms, innovators, scientists or researchers seeking more information on the SBIR Road Tour, including a schedule of stops and participating agencies, should visit: www.sbirroadtour.com.